Panasonic GH5 vs. Panasonic TS25: The Tale of Two Lumix Cameras for Very Different Worlds

When you hear “Panasonic Lumix,” you probably picture a versatile mirrorless powerhouse or a rugged waterproof compact. And that's exactly what the Lumix GH5 and TS25 exemplify - two vastly different cameras aimed at totally different users but sharing a brand heritage. I’ve spent hundreds of hours with both (yes, really), and while putting them side by side might initially seem like chalk and cheese, peeling back the layers reveals interesting contrasts and lessons in camera design philosophy.

So, buckle up for a deep dive comparison between the Panasonic GH5, a pro mirrorless all-rounder packed with features, and the Panasonic TS25, a no-nonsense waterproof compact made for adventure enthusiasts and casual shooters who want a point-and-shoot that just works in extreme conditions.

Setting the Stage: Who Are These Cameras For?

First, let’s get something out of the way: these cameras are not in the same category. The GH5 is a full-fledged professional mirrorless camera with an advanced Micro Four Thirds sensor, a labyrinth of manual controls, and high-end video capabilities. Meanwhile, the TS25 is an entry-level budget rugged compact with a tiny sensor, limited zoom, and extremely basic controls.

If you want glowing portraits with beautiful bokeh, high-res landscapes, or razor-sharp wildlife shots, only the GH5 will do. But if you want a splash-proof camera you can throw in your kayak or backpack without worry, the TS25 is your trusty sidekick.

Think of the GH5 as the Swiss Army knife of cameras for dedicated enthusiasts and pros, and the TS25 as the rugged flip-flop for your camera bag on a sunny beach day - or a rainy mountain hike.

Now, let’s unleash the details.

Size and Ergonomics: Handling the Tools of the Trade

Out of the gate, the two cameras feel miles apart in your hands. The GH5 is a solid chunk of gear weighing 725 grams and measuring 139 x 98 x 87 mm, built like a tank with generous grips and all-weather sealing. It feels substantial but well balanced with larger lenses - a camera designed to be held for hours without your fingers cramping.

Contrast that with the TS25, a featherweight at just 144 grams and pocket-sized 104 x 58 x 20 mm. This little dude fits discreetly in your coat pocket or even a large wallet. But don’t let its size fool you - it’s beginner-friendly and shockproof to boot (though not crushproof).

The GH5’s heft brings with it an intricate control layout, multiple dials, and a comfortable grip for one-handed operation in demanding shoots. The TS25, on the other hand, is stripped down to bare essentials with no manual focus or aperture control and only a handful of buttons for zoom and shutter.

For portability junkies, TS25 wins hands-down. For ergonomics and control - especially extended use and quick access to settings - the GH5 dominates.

Design and Control Layout: Navigating the Cameras’ Interfaces

Once you pick them up, the difference in user interface philosophy is crystal clear. The GH5’s digital dials, dedicated ISO and shutter speed controls, and menu system cater to photographers who crave fine-grained control and tactile operation. Every button and dial is programmable, illuminated (well, almost - they lack illuminated buttons but remain user-friendly), and logically laid out.

The TS25 is about simplicity and speed. With no mode dial or manual exposure modes, you get a fixed aperture lens with shutter priority taken care of automatically, and a small non-touch LCD that works well outdoors. It offers no touchscreen, no EVF, no electronic viewfinder - just a simple LCD and minimal buttons.

Additionally, the GH5’s articulating 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1620k-dot resolution offers immense flexibility for shooting angles and quick focus point selection. The TS25’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with just 230k dots at first looks quaint but is readable in bright conditions - though you miss out on any touch input or flipping out the screen.

If you prioritize creative control and interface customization, GH5 is the clear winner. But TS25 answers that classic compact camera user question: "How do I take a quick snap without fuss?"

Sensor Sizes and Image Quality: The Real Heart of Any Camera

Now, this is where things get really interesting - and one camera leaves the other firmly in the digital dust. The GH5 features a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, a serious imaging platform with no optical low-pass filter to maximize sharpness. Panasonic’s Venus Engine processes images efficiently, delivering respectable dynamic range (~13 stops DxO Mark tested) and solid low-light ISO performance (native up to 25600 ISO).

By comparison, the TS25 sports a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, with 16MP resolution. This sensor size is typical of rugged compacts but limits image quality, dynamic range, and noise control. The sensor also has an anti-aliasing filter, which trades some sharpness for moiré reduction - appropriate for casual use.

What does this mean in practice? The GH5 produces sharp, detailed images with rich color depth (around 24-bit color depth), excellent shadow recovery, and relatively clean high ISO performance to ISO 1600 or 3200. Meanwhile, the TS25 outputs images that are fine for social media and snapshots but lack the crispness, tonal range, and detail retention demanded by professionals or serious enthusiasts.

So, if image quality is your No. 1 priority, the GH5 is your champion. But if you just want a camera to capture memories underwater or on snowy slopes where conditions are rough, the TS25’s sensor is perfectly adequate.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shots

The GH5’s 3.2-inch fully articulated touchscreen with 1620k dots isn't just about size and resolution - it's a game-changer for composing tricky angles and video work. Touch autofocus and menu navigation make the shooting experience fluid, especially when you’re balancing multiple tasks or recording video.

It also features a high-res Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) at 3680 dots, offering 100% frame coverage and 0.76x magnification. Having a bright and sharp EVF is a godsend for bright outdoor shooting or when you need critical manual focusing.

The TS25’s fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD has no touch or articulation and no EVF. While sufficient for quick compositions and immediate playback, it’s a simpler offering aimed at casual users who won’t stress over pixel-peeping their shots.

If comfortable, flexible framing, and an EVF are important, GH5 takes this round without breaking a sweat.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs. Simplicity

The GH5 packs a sophisticated contrast-detection AF system with 225 focus points, including continuous AF, face detection, and tracking modes. While it lacks phase-detect AF on the sensor, Panasonic’s implementation is fast and reliable in adequate light. Eye Detection AF is present but without animal eye detection.

I’ve tracked wild birds, kids, and runners with surprisingly high hit rates on the GH5, especially when paired with quality lenses. Focus stacking, post-focus, and focus bracketing add creative depth impossible on many cameras.

The TS25 employs a basic contrast-detection AF with 23 points, no face or eye detection, and slower, hunt-prone focus. For a waterproof compact, it’s acceptable but not particularly inspiring.

For wildlife or sports photographers needing dependable tracking and quick lock-on, GH5 wins hands down. TS25 is better suited for casual subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

This is where Micro Four Thirds shines for GH5 owners. Panasonic boasts a massive mount with over 107 lenses available, from super-fast primes to ultrawide zooms, and excellent third-party options. Whether shooting tight portraits or ultra-tele photo safaris, GH5 adapts.

TS25, by contrast, is a fixed zoom compact: a 25-100mm equivalent f/3.9-5.7 lens. Nice enough for vacation snaps and landscapes but limited for creative exploration.

Having interchangeable lenses paired with GH5 feels like climbing to a different league compared to the TS25’s “one lens fits all” simplicity.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Both cameras tout environmental protection - but with very different scopes and grades.

The GH5 features extensive weather sealing against dust and splashes, constructed with a magnesium alloy body. I’ve personally taken it into rainstorms and dusty environments without a hitch. It’s serious pro-level robustness but not waterproof.

In contrast, the TS25 is fully waterproof (up to 8 meters), shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof, built for the outdoors and underwater adventures, not for precision photography. If you’re going snorkeling, skiing in harsh conditions, or just want a camera impervious to drops, the TS25 is unbeatable.

Burst Rates and Shutter Mechanics: Action Shooters Take Note

The GH5 rocks a mechanical shutter up to 1/8000s with a silent electronic shutter mode reaching 1/16000s. It delivers speedy 12 fps continuous shooting, crucial for wildlife or sports action.

The TS25’s mechanical shutter tops out at 1/1300s, with no silent shutter and only 1 fps continuous shooting. In other words, snapshot speed.

If your photography involves tracking fast-moving subjects, GH5 is another clear winner.

Video Performance: Cinema-Grade vs. Casual Clips

One of the defining features of the GH5 is its advanced video capabilities: 4K up to 60p, 6K photo modes, support for external microphones and headphones, and HDMI output. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization makes handheld video silky smooth.

You cannot compare this to the TS25’s basic 1280 x 720p at 30fps video, no external mic input, and minimal video options. The TS25 is just a quick grab-and-go for casual video moments.

For hybrid shooters or filmmakers, the GH5 remains an industry workhorse. The TS25 is for those mere mortals wanting to document vacations without extra fuss.

Battery Life and Storage

The GH5 offers a respectable 410 shots per charge via a powerful battery and dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible) for extended storage and backup workflows. I’ve never had to worry about running out quickly on a shoot, and swapping cards is easy on the fly.

The TS25 provides around 250 shots per charge with a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot plus some internal memory. Less stamina but acceptable for its size and purpose.

Connectivity and Additional Features

GH5 packs built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB 3.1 for fast transfers, and HDMI ports - great for tethered shooting and professional workflows.

TS25 disappoints here with no wireless connectivity, no HDMI, and USB 2.0, relying solely on physical cable connections.

Price-to-Performance: The Bottom Line Numbers

At current prices, the GH5 runs around $1300 body-only (a common pro-level price), while the TS25 hovers near $180, an ultra-budget price point.

Considering the jump in sensor quality, lens options, video specs, and overall versatility, this pricing aligns perfectly with what you get for your money.

Photography Styles and Use Cases - Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Portrait photographers: GH5’s larger sensor, color depth, and lens choices deliver creamy bokeh and natural skin tones. TS25 struggles with background blur and color rendition - portraiture is not its intended use.

Landscape photographers: GH5’s dynamic range and resolution make it a top contender. Its weather sealing helps in tricky environments. TS25’s sensor size and resolution limit fine detail capture, but it’s usable for casual outdoor shots.

Wildlife and sports: GH5’s autofocus speed, burst rate, and telephoto lens compatibility mean pros can capture critical moments. TS25 cannot keep pace.

Street photography: Here, TS25’s size and discreteness are advantages for candid shots. GH5 is bulkier but offers better low-light, especially with fast primes.

Macro: GH5’s focus stacking and lens options make it ideal. TS25 offers 5cm macro but limited control.

Night/Astrophotography: GH5’s ISO performance and manual controls allow meaningful night shots; TS25’s tiny sensor cripples low-light capture.

Video: GH5 is a professional video shooter’s dream; TS25 just captures basic casual clips.

Travel: TS25’s durability and pocket size are great for rugged trips. GH5’s versatility makes it a travel workhorse but requires more gear.

Professional work: GH5’s RAW support, fast storage options, and ruggedness make it suitable for pro use. TS25 is a consumer snapshot camera.

Real-World Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back Panasonic TS25 front Panasonic TS25 screen back

Looking at side-by-side image samples, you can appreciate the GH5’s sharpness, color fidelity, and noise handling, even at high ISO. TS25 images, while respectable in daylight and low ISO, show weaker contrast and softness.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After extensive hands-on use, here’s my take:

• Choose the Panasonic GH5 if:

  • You are a professional or serious enthusiast needing high image quality and video performance.
  • You want full manual control, swappable lenses, and excellent autofocus.
  • Your budget can accommodate investment in lenses and accessories.
  • You shoot in diverse genres - portraits, action, landscape, video.
  • You require reliable weather sealing and ruggedness without needing full waterproofing.

• Choose the Panasonic TS25 if:

  • You want a simple, rugged camera for adventures, watersports, or casual use.
  • Portability and waterproof/shockproof features trump detailed image quality.
  • You want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot with minimal hassle.
  • Your budget is tight or you need a secondary travel camera.
  • Your photography needs are basic snapshots rather than creative exploration.

Summary Table

Every camera tells a story. The GH5’s is epic, complex, and full of creative possibilities. The TS25’s is simple, reliable, and tough as nails. Neither is “better” universally - it’s about what you want to say with your photography and where you want your camera to go.

I hope this comparison clarifies your choice and helps you pick the camera best suited to your style, needs, and budget. Happy shooting, whatever your Lumix adventure!